Understanding Noninvasive Parental DNA Testing: A Comprehensive Guide

Modern technology has made everything easier and more accessible. The human birth process used to be extremely painful; however, with advancements in medicine, it is not that painful anymore. In addition to this, in this advanced era, determining paternity is not a big deal anymore. It used to be a big deal because it involved a high risk of miscarriage during pregnancy testing. Nevertheless, noninvasive parental DNA testing is no longer an issue. Now, if you want to determine paternity during pregnancy, then you do not have to risk the lives of the mother and the fetus. In this post, we will try to explain noninvasive parental testing in detail for your better understanding. 

What is Noninvasive Parental DNA Testing?

The noninvasive parental DNA testing is the process of establishing paternity during the pregnancy. The method of testing is simple and painless. In addition, it has a high accuracy rate of about 99%. One advantage of the testing is that it not only determines paternity. Rather, it also identifies the risk of any genetic condition within the fetus that might be harmful to the baby. In that regard, it is an effective test. Further, it is the opposite of the traditional or invasive paternity tests that pose a significant risk of miscarriage and infections. 

How does Noninvasive Parental DNA Testing Work?

Unlike invasive paternity tests, noninvasive parental DNA tests have a simple and painless procedure. You do not have to wait for a long period. You may go as early as during the 7th or 8th week of pregnancy. Apart from that, the test includes the following steps: 

• It starts with the collection of DNA samples of the fetus and the alleged father. The mother's blood is the source of the DNA samples of the child. Advanced DNA technology helps extract DNA from the blood. On the other hand, the father's DNA sample is collected through the buccal swab method. 

• The next step involves the analysis of the sample. With the help of the latest technology, the technicians identify the similarities within the DNA. This helps in establishing paternity. 

An important thing to remember is that testing is not possible in the case of twins as there is no such technology yet that helps in separating two free-floating DNA from the blood. In that case, you will have to wait until the delivery as other testing options pose a risk to the lives of both mother and fetus. 

What are the Benefits of Noninvasive Parental DNA Testing?

The test not only determines paternity but also highlights the risk of genetic conditions. Some benefits of NIPT include the following: 

• It is a safe and painless procedure. It is the opposite of amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). 

• Furthermore, it has a high accuracy rate of 99%. 

• Not only paternity but with this test, you may find the risk of genetic conditions as early as the 8th or 9th weeks of pregnancy. 

• There is no risk of miscarriage. There can be infection but not other problems.

• It offers peace of mind to everyone and offers protection to the child and the mother. 

• The testing process is less expensive than other invasive paternity tests. Thus, it is affordable for many people. 

Who Should Consider Noninvasive Parental DNA Testing?

If you are considering a paternity DNA test, then you are likely to determine paternity. However, this is not the sole reason for NIPT. You may consider the test if you face the following situations: 

• Couples who have infertility issues or have a history of miscarriage must consider the testing for insight. 

• If you are over 35 and pregnant, then you must consider the test because people over 35 have a risk of genetic condition. 

• Couples who have a history of genetic conditions must consider the testing to avoid the risk.

Finding a Reliable Noninvasive Parental DNA Testing

If you are considering NIPP testing, then you must choose an authentic and reliable DNA testing center. Paternity and genetic conditions are matters of great risks and problems. Therefore, it is essential to deal with these matters before they mess up your mental health and life. You may go for local options as well by searching for the NIPP test in Plano. However, the important thing is the lab's certification or accreditation, which is the golden standard for its accuracy and authenticity.

Conclusion 

Noninvasive parental testing (NIPT) is one of the best prenatal tests because it does not pose a risk to the lives of the mother and fetus. It also offers insight into the child's genetic health. For information on NIPT, you may visit the Choice DNA Testing lab or its website. Further, the lab has BBB accreditation that ensures that the staff works as per rules and regulations.